The anticipation for the Paris Olympics is building, especially with the allure of the football tournament where 16 nations will vie for the prestigious gold medal. Despite the excitement, several football superstars will not be participating. Here’s why:
Why Kylian Mbappe Isn’t Competing at the 2024 Olympics
Kylian Mbappe, one of the most electrifying talents in football, will not be representing France at the Paris Olympics. Although the prospect of playing in a home Olympics is enticing, several factors have led to his exclusion:
- Club Transition: Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain has complicated his availability. Real Madrid, exercising their rights, have decided not to release him for the Olympics.
- Club’s Position: Mbappe confirmed, “For the Olympics, my club has a position which is very clear so that means I think I will not participate in the Olympics. That is how it is.”
- Preseason Priorities: Given the extensive football calendar and the proximity of the Olympics to the start of the 2024/25 season, Real Madrid’s President, Florentino Perez, was never inclined to allow Mbappe to participate, emphasizing the importance of a smooth integration into the team.
- Mbappe’s Perspective: Mbappe also acknowledged the need for a stable start with his new club, stating, “Joining a new team in September would not be the best way to begin my adventure.”
Why Cristiano Ronaldo Isn’t Competing at the 2024 Olympics
Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from the Olympics is straightforward:
- Qualification: Portugal did not qualify for the Olympic football tournament.
- Performance and Age: Considering Ronaldo’s performance at Euro 2024 and his advancing age, it’s improbable he would have been selected even if Portugal had qualified. Ronaldo last played in the Olympics in Athens 2004, where Portugal didn’t progress past the group stages.
Why Lionel Messi Isn’t Competing at the 2024 Olympics
Lionel Messi, a former Olympic gold medalist, will also miss the 2024 Paris Olympics. The reasons are multifaceted:
- Previous Achievements: Messi has little left to prove on the international stage, having won the Copa America twice and the World Cup in 2022.
- Club Commitments: Inter Miami, Messi’s current club, requested he not be called up for the Olympic squad. Messi had already missed part of the MLS season due to the Copa America.
- Injury Concerns: Messi is nursing an ankle sprain, further complicating his availability.
- Management Decisions: Despite speculation of his involvement due to his relationship with Argentina’s Olympic coach Javier Mascherano, Messi was not included in the plans. Instead, Geronimo Rulli, Nicolas Otamendi, and Julian Alvarez have been selected as the over-age players for Argentina.
Summary
The absence of these football icons highlights the complexities of balancing club commitments, international duties, and personal fitness. As the Paris Olympics approach, new stars will have the opportunity to shine on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.
